One of the most common questions I hear from homebuyers is: “How long does it take to get a mortgage?”

And it’s a fair question. If you’re buying a home, you need to know whether it’ll be weeks or months before you can pick up the keys. If you’re remortgaging, ensure your new deal is ready before your current one ends.

The truth is: there’s no single answer. The mortgage process can be surprisingly quick in some cases, yet painfully slow in others. But by understanding each stage of the journey – and what you can do to speed things up – you’ll know exactly what to expect.

In this guide, I’ll break it all down:

• How long does each stage of the mortgage process typically take
• The key factors that speed up or slow down your application
• Insider tips on cutting weeks off the timeline
• Realistic expectations for first-time buyers, movers, and remortgagers

So, let’s get started.

The Short Answer

For a straightforward case, getting a mortgage agreed can take as little as 2–4 weeks. However, for more complex applications or if legal or survey issues arise, it can take 8–12 weeks or longer.

Now let’s break that down stage by stage.

Stage 1: Research & Agreement in Principle (AIP)

Time: 1–5 days

Before you start house-hunting in earnest, you’ll usually need an Agreement in Principle (AIP) – sometimes called a Decision in Principle (DIP).

• An AIP is a lender’s initial indication of how much they’re willing to lend.
• It’s based on a soft credit check and some basic income details.
• Most lenders can issue one in minutes online, though a broker might take a day or two to shop around for the best fit.

Tip: Don’t apply for multiple AIPs with different lenders in one go – too many checks, even soft ones, can spook lenders.

Stage 2: Mortgage Application

Time: 1–3 days to prepare and submit

Once you’ve had an offer accepted on a property, it’s time to submit your full mortgage application. This is where the paperwork kicks in.

You’ll need to provide:

• Proof of ID (passport, driving licence)
• Proof of address (utility bills, council tax)
• Income evidence (payslips, P60, or accounts if self-employed)
• Bank statements (usually 3 months)
• Details of any debts or financial commitments

If you’re organised and have all documents ready, your broker can usually apply within a day or two. If you’re scrabbling around for missing paperwork, expect delays.

Tip: Get your paperwork in order early – ideally before you even view houses.

Stage 3: Underwriting & Lender Assessment

Time: 1–3 weeks

This is the bit that often takes the longest. Your lender’s underwriting team will go through your application with a fine-tooth comb:

• Verifying your income and outgoings
• Checking your credit report
• Making sure the property meets their lending criteria

Straightforward applications (steady salary, good credit history, no quirks) might fly through in under a week. More complex cases – self-employed income, bonuses, foreign currency, credit blips – can drag out for several weeks as the lender asks for more information.

Tip: Respond quickly to any requests from your broker or lender. Every day you sit on a request could add a week to the timeline.

Stage 4: Valuation Survey

Time: 3–10 days

Lenders won’t hand over hundreds of thousands without checking the property is worth what you’ve agreed to pay.

• Basic valuations are often done electronically within 24–48 hours.
• Physical valuations or homebuyer surveys can take a week or more to book and complete, depending on surveyor availability.

If the survey flags issues – damp, structural problems, or a down-valuation – this can cause delays while you renegotiate with the seller or provide extra information.

Stage 5: Mortgage Offer

Time: Same day to 1 week after valuation

If the underwriting and valuation both check out, the lender will issue a formal mortgage offer. This is the magic piece of paper confirming they’ll lend to you.

In straightforward cases, the offer can be issued the same day the valuation report lands. In others, there may be one last round of questions before the offer is released.

Stage 6: Conveyancing & Legal Work

Time: 4–12 weeks (often the biggest delay)

Technically, your mortgage is secured once you have your offer. But you still can’t move in until the legal side is wrapped up. This is where solicitors/conveyancers step in to:

• Check the title deeds
• Carry out local authority searches
• Liaise with the seller’s solicitor
• Handle contracts and funds

This part is often the slowest, because you’re relying on multiple parties (yours and the seller’s solicitors, the local authority, the lender). In some areas, searches alone can take 6–8 weeks.

Tip: Choose a proactive solicitor. The cheapest option isn’t always the quickest – and speed matters if you want your keys on time.

Stage 7: Exchange & Completion

Time: 1–4 weeks

Once all legal work is done, contracts are exchanged, and you agree on a completion date. The mortgage funds are then released, and you officially become the owner (or switch onto your new deal, if remortgaging).

How Long Does It Take in Different Scenarios?

• First-time buyers: Typically 8–12 weeks from offer accepted to completion, though it can be quicker if the chain is short.
• Remortgage: Much faster – often 4–6 weeks, as there’s no property chain and less legal work.
• Buying in a chain: Be prepared for delays. Even if your mortgage is sorted, you may be held up by others in the chain.

Factors That Can Speed Up or Slow Down Your Mortgage

Things That Speed It Up:

• Having all documents ready upfront
• Using a broker who knows which lenders are fast (some can issue offers in under a week)
• Opting for a lender with automated valuations
• Choosing a proactive solicitor with good communication

Things That Slow It Down:

• Missing paperwork
• Complex income (self-employed, contractors, multiple income streams)
• Credit issues that need extra checks
• Down-valuations or property survey problems
• Slow solicitors or local authority searches

FAQs About Mortgage Timelines

Q: Can I get a mortgage in 2 weeks?

Yes – in rare, squeaky-clean cases with the right lender and if you are applying for a low loan-to-value. But it’s not the norm. Always plan for longer.

Q: What if my mortgage offer expires?

Most offers last 3–6 months. If your purchase drags on beyond that, your broker can often get it extended.

Q: Do remortgages take less time?

Yes. Remortgages are typically far quicker, as there’s no chain and often fewer checks.

Practical Tips to Keep Things Moving

• Get brokered: A good broker knows which lenders are processing quickly and can shave weeks off your timeline.
• Stay responsive: Reply to requests from your broker/solicitor within hours, not days.
• Line up your solicitor early: Don’t wait until your offer is accepted.
• Budget extra time: Even the smoothest cases hit snags. Don’t book the removals van until contracts are exchanged.

The Bottom Line – how long does it take to get a mortgage?

• 2–4 weeks is possible in straightforward cases.
• 8–12 weeks is far more common for purchases.
• 4–6 weeks is typical for remortgages.

The biggest delays often come not from the lender, but from legal work and property chains.

Your best defence is preparation: have your documents ready, use a good broker and solicitor, and stay on top of every stage. That way, you’ll be in the best position to get your keys as quickly as possible. With the right advice and preparation, that’s where The Mortgage Blog can help turn your dreams into reality. Contact us on 0333 335 6595 or message us to explore your options and get personalised advice tailored to your unique situation.